As the Holiday Season quickly comes upon us, I can't help but be amazed at the care, consideration and kindness of those in our community. I have now gotten to a point that I actually travel with toys in my car, because I attend so many toy drives during the week. But each time I attend a toy drive I am always in awe of how many toys each event collects and the willingness for people to share. Even in the worst of times, in the most challenging financial times in recent history, the passion and devotion to others that African Americans and all people of good will show towards those less fortunate is a true blessing.

Just in the last week I attended the Regalettes Christmas Party, which gathered so many toys that you could barely walk in the door. Then I went to another toy drive on Saturday where they collected almost 30 trash bags full of toys, baby care products and other items for those less fortunate and the list keeps going.

Now for those of you who have not had a chance to give yet, don't fret. It is not too late. You can come here to the Sentinel and adopt a child and/or a senior citizen from Mothers In Action. If you want to help a teenager you can contact the Brotherhood Crusade. They have over 300 teenagers who they provide gifts for every year, There is also the New Frontier Democratic Club Christmas Party which will collecting toys and can goods this Friday.

So with only one last week before Christmas, before you run into the mall and spend that last little bit of money you have remaining, pinch a little piece off for those who have a little less than you, because that is the true essence of Christmas, Kwanzaa or Hanukah.

So, whether you agree or disagree, now more than ever I really need your input. I need to hear from you. I need to know what is going on in our community. I also need to know what other stories we need to tell, and what is on your mind. I really do want to hear from you, I want you to "Talk to Danny."

Last Saturday some friends of mine (two women and one man... the man was driving) were driving through Culver City when they got pulled over by the police. The police said they pulled them over for having a bad head light, which is strange since it was in the daytime, so why would their headlights be on and what difference did it make?

They asked the driver for his license, registration and insurance which he provided and then asked the driver had he ever been to jail? The last part of the question made the ladies in the car go ballistic demanding to know why they had been stopped and why was the officer asking these questions. Finally, the male driver said ladies shut up and do what they say. The driver had no warrants, his car was registered, his insurance was in order and NO he had never been to jail. In fact, not that it matters but he is an educated Black Man... Just happened to be driving in Culver City.

I tell you all of this to lay the ground work for the fact that the ladies were shocked at how this went down, and were even more amazed that me and all of my friends knew exactly what happened, how it went down, why it went down and how to act in that situation. I even stated (in joking) that how and what to do when you're a Black Man in America when you get pulled over by the police is a class in the Kappa Achievers Mentor Program for Black Men coming of age.

Now I mean no disrespect to Black Woman. You have your own challenges that you deal with everyday. But the oppression that gets placed on Black Men by the police everyday is something they fortunately or unfortunately will never really understand. The fact is every Black Man whether you are educated or not, a corporate executive or work at the local 7-11, we all know what it feels like when those red lights pull up behind you. We all know that sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach. It is a feeling that I know, that unfortunately my son will know and my father and his father before him all know well-too well. Remember Senator Kevin Murray only passed racial profiling legislation in the State of California about 6 years ago. And while it is now against the law to pull over a person just because they meet the profile of a certain race, many of the local police departments have yet to adopt this policy and put into place procedures that in any way shape or form deal with this issue.

If there is any Black Man out there who has never been racially profiled or more importantly any Black Man (young or old) who does not know what to do when you get pulled over by the police, please let me know. I will dedicate a front page story to explain to you exactly what to do, but I am willing to bet if you have reached the age of being able to drive you already know the lesson. Either because someone has already told you or you were in the passenger seat when one of your adult male role models experienced it first hand.

Matter of fact in the heat of the discussion I stated that the only thing that can save President Barack Obama from getting pulled over if he was driving in the wrong place at the wrong time is Secret Service and given how they handled the crashing of the first state dinner I'm not sure they could save him.

So, whether you agree or disagree, now more than ever I really need your input. I need to hear from you. I need to know what is going on in our community. I also need to know what other stories we need to tell, and what is on your mind. I really do want to hear from you, I want you to "Talk to Danny."

]]>dannyjr@lasentinel.net (Danny J. Bakewell Jr. (Contributing Editor))BlogThu, 10 Dec 2009 05:00:00 +0000Sports and Life http://www.lasentinel.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4808:sports-and-life&catid=39&Itemid=146
http://www.lasentinel.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4808:sports-and-life&catid=39&Itemid=146I am a HUGE sports fan so this weekend and truthfully this entire week has been a true joy for me. Let's start with the easy ones and then move on to the significant ones, which involve not only sports, but also the symbolism as well as the messages that these symbols send and mean to us as a people and as a community.

This weekend was the Bayou Classic. This is the annual African American College battle between Grambling University and Southern University. The game was great, the battle of the bands was better and while I was rooting for Southern I want to say congratulations to the Grambling Tigers (you Won Uncle Snow!) who outlasted Southern and represented this immortal battle for one more year. But Grambling you did lose the battle of the bands! And we all know at a Black College the band battle is often bigger than the game. This game was a joyful symbol of African American pride and joy. Fans and representatives from both colleges demonstrated the best of what our community can do and is all about. We laughed, we celebrated we even mourned the lost but in the end we were all a family and that is the real meaning of the game.

I can't tell you all how happy I am that Charlie Weiss got fired from Notre Dame! Not that I think Charlie Weiss was a bad guy (he was a bad coach, but I think he is a good guy), but his hiring and the firing of Tyrone Willingham has left a bad taste in my mouth and the mouths of many African Americans since he arrived 5 years ago. The funny thing about all of this is nobody is mentioning that in Charlie Weiss's five years at Notre Dame he only had two winning seasons. His first two winning seasons, were seasons when he won with Coach Willingham's players. Everybody is talking about what a great recruiter he was. Well his great recruits have not performed anywhere near the level that Coach Willingham's players did. And that is what we as African Americans know has always been the benefit of the doubt we never got/get. To pull the plug on us quick when we have a plan--no matter how good the plan may be--in order to switch to someone who they believe ice is colder, that is the tragedy of our society.

Then there is the fine for Serena Williams--$87,000 for yelling at a judge? Didn't John McEnroe and Andre Agassi make a career and get tons of national commercials for their outbursts at line judges? Now, I have heard people say Serena is rich and 87K is nothing for her, and that may be true. But, the real travesty is the threat of suspension if she has another outburst. This is sports, competitive sports at its highest level. It is by its very nature emotional. To cause her to cap her emotions is certainly a way to suppress her greatness, to cause her to lose her edge, and control her from ultimately becoming the greatest female tennis player of all time. Remember, greatest is defined by wins in majors. She is approaching the pinnacle and now they are going to restrain her emotions...... hmmmmm, something about that just appears a little strange.

Tiger, Tiger, Tiger! Now I don't know what happened and I don't want to speculate on any of it. What I do find interesting is the level of time and effort the media and the Florida Highway Patrol is putting into investigating a single car accident on personal property where the only person injured was the driver of his own car in the driveway of his own home. I have seen major accidents on Crenshaw that have not garnered half the attention that this thing has gotten. It appears to me that Eldrick "Tiger" Woods is not being treated like a "cablanasian" but on this date on this case he is being treated like the rest of US!

And lastly, WHO DAT, WHO DAT SAY GONE BEAT THEM SAINTS! Based on the way they whipped New England I would say Nobody!

So, whether you agree or disagree, now more than ever I really need your input. I need to hear from you. I need to know what is going on in our community. I also need to know what other stories we need to tell, and what is on your mind. I really do want to hear from you, I want you to "Talk to Danny."

Sincerely,

Danny J. Bakewell, Jr.

President & Executive Editor

]]>dannyjr@lasentinel.net (Danny J. Bakewell Jr. (Contributing Editor))BlogThu, 03 Dec 2009 05:00:00 +00002009...2010...It's time!http://www.lasentinel.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4861:2009-2010-it-s-time&catid=39&Itemid=146
http://www.lasentinel.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4861:2009-2010-it-s-time&catid=39&Itemid=146Can you believe it? Thanksgiving is one week away!Â I certainly have a lot to be Thankful for. I have a good job, great friends and a loving family, I am in fairly good health (I don't go to the gym nearly as much as I need to). My USC Trojans aren't doing that well, but we've been whipping on everybody for so long we finally are having a down year. But, with that said I still have much to be Thankful for.

As we move forward into this Holiday Season, I want to again bring to everyone's attention that we here at the Sentinel are launching several new campaigns, and we will be taking a number of surveys on our website www.lasentinel.net. I don't know if any of you realized this, but not only are we coming up on the end of the year but we are also coming up on the end of the decade. Because of that we will be having regular new polls about things like "what was the most significant news story of 2009 and what was the most significant news story of the past decade"? What was our biggest victory, what was our biggest set back? In order to be more proactive we will also be asking about ways we can improve our products and ways we can serve you, our loyal readers, better.

I am asking all of you to be in constant contact and daily check our website for more updates and surveys so that this years year-end, decade in review paper can be the best ever.

So, whether you agree or disagree, now more than ever I really need your input. I need to hear from you. I need to know what is going on in our community. I also need to know what other stories we need to tell, and what is on your mind. I really do want to hear from you, I want you to "Talk to Danny."

Â

God Bless You,

Danny J. Bakewell, Jr.

President & Executive Editor

Â

]]>dannyjr@lasentinel.net (Danny J. Bakewell Jr. (Contributing Editor))BlogThu, 19 Nov 2009 05:00:00 +0000Celebration of Lifehttp://www.lasentinel.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4896:celebration-of-life&catid=39&Itemid=146
http://www.lasentinel.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4896:celebration-of-life&catid=39&Itemid=146Let me start this Talk To Danny, by Thanking all of my Sentinel Family for the love and support you all have given to me and my family during the home going of my beloved Grandmother Marybell Bakewell. The cards, emails and letters I have received over the past few weeks have been heart felt, thoughtful and certainly appreciated.

I would certainly would be remised if I didn't say a special Thank you to my family and closest friends, as we have all had to lean on each other during these difficult times. Your willingness to be there early in the morning when I couldn't sleep and needed someone to talk to, the times together reminiscing and laughing and sharing all of those precious memories, and just the sense of family and support you have all provided me (and I hope I have provided for you) is immeasurable and I love you all just for being there.

I also need to Thank the entire community of over 100,000 who came out in support of Taste of Soul. For the fourth year in a row, we have demonstrated to not only the City of Los Angeles, but the entire world that the African American Community in partnership with all people to celebrate our culture, our community and our people in a positive, wholesome and free spirited event. 102.3 KJLH and 94.7 The WAVE, you guys are the best radio partners The Sentinel can have and we are looking forward to even bigger and better things at the 2010 Taste of Soul.

We learn through good times and bad times that life is short and relationships are precious.

Just as I began to resume my daily schedule my good friend and President of SCLC Los Angeles Eric Lee got a phone call and discovered that his father Edward Oliver "Pete" Lee had transitioned. Now you never know when or how we are going to lose the people we are closest too. But I can say that when it is sudden and unexpected the way Eric's dad and my grandmother's transition were it is even more challenging. But the one thing that I have taken solace in, and I have encouraged Eric to do the same, is the person you have lost must unquestionably and unconditionally know how you feel about them. I can find comfort in knowing that Mamee knew I absolutely loved and adored her and I take great comfort in knowing that I was and will always be her "favorite grandchild". And I also know that "Pete" Lee knew without a doubt that Eric loved him, was his best friend and Pete felt the same way about E. Much Love My Brother! Stay Strong! PHI NU PI.

So, whether you agree or disagree, now more than ever I really need your input. I need to hear from you. I need to know what is going on in our community. I also need to know what other stories we need to tell, and what is on your mind. I really do want to hear from you, I want you to "Talk to Danny."Â

]]>dannyjr@lasentinel.net (Danny J. Bakewell Jr. (Contributing Editor))BlogThu, 05 Nov 2009 05:00:00 +0000Sunday Supperhttp://www.lasentinel.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5084:sunday-supper&catid=39&Itemid=146
http://www.lasentinel.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5084:sunday-supper&catid=39&Itemid=146There are so many things I was going to write about my grandmother Marybell Bakewell and her home going. But, as we all know God gives us what we need. And this time, he gave it to me in the words of my 11 year old daughter Devyn. So in honor of Mamee, I want to share this letter to you all:

SUNDAY SUPPERToday, my family and I had a big dinner at my grandparent's house for my great-grandmother, Mamie's memorial service. We needed to go over who was doing what, the pictures we needed, plus what would be going on. At first I didn't want to go because I thought it was going to be everyone sitting in the dining room talking about how we all miss her and things like that; I thought it would be horrible! When I got there, everyone was laughing at pictures of Mamie and the family and I thought, today was going to be a good day after all.

Surprisingly, the day was great; the warmness of ALL my family being together was great! I saw some aunts, uncles, and cousins that I haven't seen in a long time. We looked through pictures, boxes, and photo albums from all the way to the 1900's to NOW!! It was fun there was so many fun pictures such as me when I just came home from the hospital, Danny's second birthday party, and vacations from a long time ago. Seeing these laughs and smiles and the look of everyone's faces mad me so happy. Mamie would've really liked this, and it was really different not having her around. I miss her warm since of humor and kindness spreading the room. She was funny and sweet. Every time I saw her she always said something that surprised all of us! She was the glue that held all of my dad's side of the family together. I miss hugging her and kissing her wrinkly little cheeks, her cute little outfits, and that smile that would make everyone glow. She'll always be in my heart throughout the good times and the bad times, and I miss her desperately. So I just want to say if you have someone who's that special in your life cherish that person, cherish the moments that you have with that person, and never let that person go because one day that person could leave you forever. - Devyn Bakewell

Thank you Devyn. And Thanks to everyone who has sent me a note a text, a card and email and most of all, for all of your prayers. It really has meant a lot to me and my entire family.

Collectively we have decided that beginning at Taste of Soul next weekend, we are going to be hosting a blood drive within our community for our children (and adults) every month. Different organizations will each host a drive at a different time and place each month. We also are going to begin educating our community about the struggles of Sickle Cell. The lack of treatment, the lack of resources, the lack of education all for a disease, which affects African Americans and Latinos primarily.

I want to Thank the representatives who came to the meeting and all of you who will join us in this effort, so we can make real change in real time. Our President has his own health care battle that he is fighting, but giving blood to help our community and our children is a battle we can win on our own for our own. So if you are a part of an organization who wants to join this initiative let me know. You don't have to do it alone, you can partner with other organizations. It really is a group effort and I want to thank you all now and in the future for your support. See you at Taste of Soul and PLEASE wear a short sleeve shirt, it will be much easier to give blood that way.

So, whether you agree or disagree, now more than ever I really need your input. I need to hear from you. I need to know what is going on in our community. I also need to know what other stories we need to tell, and what is on your mind. I really do want to hear from you, I want you to "Talk to Danny."

Â Sincerely,

Danny J. Bakewell, Jr.President & Executive Editor

]]>dannyjr@lasentinel.net (Danny J. Bakewell Jr. (Contributing Editor))BlogThu, 08 Oct 2009 04:00:00 +0000Governor stop trying to blame Speaker Karen Basshttp://www.lasentinel.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5191:governor-stop-trying-to-blame-speaker-karen-bass&catid=39&Itemid=146
http://www.lasentinel.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5191:governor-stop-trying-to-blame-speaker-karen-bass&catid=39&Itemid=146Okay, for all of you USC haters who have been waiting to rub it in. Go ahead have your fun! The mighty Trojans have fallen and you guys have been dying to rub it in our faces for quite a while. Eric Lee if you tell me one more time about the Great Cal Bears I am gonna scream. But that is okay, all of you, your day is gonna come. Just wait.

Well now that I have that out of the way, let's get to some straight talk about what is going on in our city and our state for that matter. First off, as we all know the City of Los Angeles is broke, but it certainly was not our community that broke it. It seems that we are always the last to get anything anyway, so why is it that after they spent all this money fixing up other areas in the City now they want to say there is no money for the stuff our community needs. Someone needs to get their priorities in order and South L.A./Watts Willowbrook needs to be priority #1.

Then there is the State of California and the Governator. Well, Governor stop trying to blame Speaker Karen Bass for the financial crisis of the state. What the speaker did was took you and your Republican friends on and refused to allow you to rape and pillage the services OUR community so desperately needs. Our community needs foster care, our community needs assistance for the elderly, our community needs assistance for the homeless and our community needs jobs. Maybe, your community doesn't and maybe the communities of your Republican buddies don't but ours do, so stop trying to call our Democratic representatives wasteful, and foolish spenders and realize we sent them there to represent us and that is just what they have done.

Now I want everyone to call, write or email the governor and the other Republican representatives and tell them to layoff of our representatives because they are doing exactly what we sent them to Sacramento to do. Represent US!

Congratulations to Assembly member Steve Bradford who had to immediately get sworn in and go to work in Sacramento. Speaker Bass needed as much help as she could and she made sure Steve got up there in a hurry to help her out.

So now I really need your input. I need to hear from you now more than ever. I need to know what is going on in our community. I also need to know what other stories we need to tell, and what is on your mind. I really do want to hear from you, I want you to "Talk to Danny."

This has been a very interesting week. First off, it is the first full week without our old managing editor Ken Miller. So now me and Interim Managing Editor, Yussef Simmonds are working on finding our rhythm now that Ken is no longer here. Things have gone very smoothly, but like anything else a new rhythm is a new rhythm and you have to get use to it.

Then there is OUR President and health care reform. This should be all anyone is talking about, and we should all be working to support President Obama to get this initiative passed. But no, the majority of news time has been taken up dealing with the racist idiot from South Carolina who yelled out in the middle of the President's speech. How disrespectful was that? If a Black Congressperson would have done that to any of the previous presidents (who just all happened to be White) they would have tried to run him out of town on a rail. But now everyone wants to paint this guy as not being a racist or saying race had nothing to do with the statement. But, like we all know, race has everything to do with everything in this country. Barack Obama is the President of the United States, the highest office in the land and he is the most Powerful man in the World. He should never be disrespected like that if for nothing else but because he is our president. But Congressman Joe Wilson from South Carolina in his mind thought that no Black man deserves that much respect even if he is the President.

Then after we had to deal with that issue, we now have to deal with Kanye West. What was he thinking about? While opinions certainly may vary on who had the best video, what made him think BeyoncÅ½ needed defending and why did he feel it was necessary for him to step in and help out? Bad move Kanye.

Now that all of the distractions are over, can we please get back to the

important stuff like passing real health care reform, getting the State of California back on track with some money and making sure the USC Trojan Football team doesn't slip up and lose to some sub-par team like they've done the last two years (Oregon State and Stanford...... ouch).

So now I really need your input. I need to hear from you now more than ever. I need to know what is going on in our community. I also need to know what other stories we need to tell, and what is on your mind. I really do want to hear from you, I want you to "Talk to Danny."

]]>dannyjr@lasentinel.net (Danny J. Bakewell Jr. (Contributing Editor))BlogThu, 17 Sep 2009 04:00:00 +0000Good Luck Ken!http://www.lasentinel.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5314:good-luck-ken&catid=39&Itemid=146
http://www.lasentinel.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5314:good-luck-ken&catid=39&Itemid=146Everybody goes back to work on Capitol Hill this week as members of the United States Senate and The House Of Representatives resume hammering out a complicated health care initiative.

Funny isn't it that when President Barack Obama was campaigning on healthcare reform prior to his historical election that voters were all in tune and ready to sign on for it.

Now that he's in office and ready to move this nation forward, critics are coming out of the closet to fight against it. Republicans and some insurers are footing the bill for the persuasion that is confusing voters.

But don't let them confuse you. Make it your business to exercise the same right you had in voting not just President Obama into office but your Senators and Congress people.

Write them letters, email them and tell them you will not sit idle until this bill that insures health care for all Americans is passed.

This is not for the privileged few, it's for that sick child who may be sitting next to your child in school or that man on the public transportation system who may be sitting next to the person you work with and is ill.

Healthcare for is not a privilege, it would be a right and the responsibility is resting in the hands of the nation they live in. If Cuba can have it why not US? If Israel can have it Why Not US?

It's time for US to stand behind our President. It's time for US to carry the fight to our elected officials and demand that we want Health Care!

Finally, but certainly not least of all I want to wish my friend and former colleague Ken Miller the absolute best of luck in his new job with Congresswoman Laura Richardson.

Ken has dedicated his life to the Sentinel and has been a model employee during the time my family has owned the publication. Reliable and loyal, he will take those same skills to our friend Laura Richardson.

Not only are the unions shouldered with the task of helping workers keep the jobs they have, but with many more losing their jobs, unions also have the obligation of making sure they can keep and maintain what they have earned.

As employers tighten their purse strings or suffer with closing their doors for good, the solution of creating jobs is a dilemma that has no shortcut answers for anyone.

Supporting President Obama's healthcare plan is at the top of most Democrats' agenda because it would immediately create jobs for the medical profession and enable others who have jobs the ability to make it to work more frequently and perform their task more consistently.

Another hot stove topic is the Employee Free Choice Act that will gather a full head of steam when they go directly to Washington D.C. to lobby senators and the House of Representatives for legislation that will allow for employees the protection of a union of their choice without the threat of losing their job.

The Employee Free Choice Act Coalition will converge on the Nation capitol in big numbers with organizations from around America being represented.

If you have a job today, you should appreciate it regardless of what you may think about it because there are probably thousands who would love to be in your shoes.

If you don't have a job, keep your hopes high and continue to what is necessary to secure a job. Don't just give in to the negative information that you receive in new reports.

If you've lost your job, don't allow for that to get you down and keep trying to find another one. Often you may have to think out of the box and do work that you either have not done before or may be uncomfortable with. The choice is slim, but their options may offer a glimmer of hope.

Here is wishing each and every one of you a very Happy Labor Day!

]]>dannyjr@lasentinel.net (Danny J. Bakewell Jr. (Contributing Editor))BlogThu, 03 Sep 2009 04:00:00 +00004th Anniversary of Katrina http://www.lasentinel.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5436:4th-anniversary-of-katrina&catid=39&Itemid=146
http://www.lasentinel.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5436:4th-anniversary-of-katrina&catid=39&Itemid=146This has been a very memorable week with the fourth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, another hurricane season quickly approaching, and the lack of progress with the worst natural disaster in the history of our nation.

Our beloved Pop King Michael Jackson would have turned 51 years old on Saturday Aug. 29, but instead we are mourning his legacy and the lasting memory he left us with.

Right here on the home front, the Los Angeles Unified School District passed a resolutions that will allow for Request For Proposals to be submitted for more than 50 public schools within the next three years, drastically altering the nation's second largest school district.

It remains to be seen if our Black children will be the primary beneficiaries of this new choice for school plan, or if they will be left behind.

We still have a chance as a nation to get New Orleans corrected, although many of the families that long lived there have been displaced in other cities throughout the U.S.

Homes there are still abandoned; roads still in desperate need of repair, and government aid essential, but now the economy has worsened and the plight of African Americans throughout is clinching to whatever hope remains.

We learned this week that Michael Jackson should not have died and another is responsible for his death. With that said, no one is sure if any criminal charges will be filed against Dr. Conrad Murray, the last man to see him alive.

Initially, I had planned for a double edition this week, one celebrating the life of Michael Jackson and another reminding us where we are with Katrina, but the LAUSD issue and the death of Sen. Edward Kennedy just sort of overwhelmed us.

Each circumstance is another vivid reminder of where we are and where we are going, but today we thank God for the journey. No matter how long or how short, the journey is the most precious thing we have. Lest we cherish it for we do not know the length that will determine our fate.

]]>dannyjr@lasentinel.net (Danny J. Bakewell Jr. (Contributing Editor))BlogThu, 27 Aug 2009 04:00:00 +0000Healthcare: America's Topichttp://www.lasentinel.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5490:healthcare-america-s-topic&catid=39&Itemid=146
http://www.lasentinel.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5490:healthcare-america-s-topic&catid=39&Itemid=146The healthcare crisis is reaching a feverish pitch with critics and supporters of the historical legislation urged by President Barack Obama on the opposite end of the battle lines.

It is a hot stove topic that has African Americans talking and that in itself is a wonderful sign.

However, an even more significant step would be to call your local elected politicians and encourage them to take their plight to their congressional representatives and United States Senators.

There are clearly moments in our nation when only the voice of the voters will rise above all else just as it did when President Obama was elected in a monumental landslide.

In Inglewood this week the community came out in great numbers to receive free medical and dental services, but there were not enough dentist volunteers to service the needs of everyone.

That event underscored the importance of a national healthcare plan. It would benefit Americans of all walks of life, it would limit and stymie diseases that effect all fabrics of our society.

Employers will benefit because they would have the services of their workers and families would benefit because it would prevent unnecessary expenses that could go towards other needs.

This is a fight that we cannot allow for our President to battle alone. He needs us just like we needed him when it was a time for change and the great part is that the power is invested in our hands again.

Write, pick-up the phone, email, twitter, text--do what ever is most effective to get their attention in Washington D.C. to bring our country to a status that many other enjoy.

While some may not see healthcare as a right, it is a necessity that if not signed into law could affect those who are already fortunate to afford it.

The time is now to get involved in a process that could determine your life or that of your friend or neighbor. This is a time for action, and we'll deal with the reaction later. Hit the computer, or if you're going about it the old fashioned way write---write---write. Make a Change Today!!

]]>dannyjr@lasentinel.net (Danny J. Bakewell Jr. (Contributing Editor))BlogThu, 13 Aug 2009 04:00:00 +0000200 Historical Days http://www.lasentinel.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5570:200-historical-days&catid=39&Itemid=146
http://www.lasentinel.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5570:200-historical-days&catid=39&Itemid=146Two hundred historical days that it took America 40 years to achieve, and President Barack Obama celebrated his 48th birthday this week as the 44th President of The United States of America.

It is yet another milestone in what is assured to be many more despite what the television and political critics are saying about him.

President Obama took over a ship that was already anchored in the shipwrecking yard and has slowly pulled it out to the sea of opportunity.

He inherited the presidency during the worst economic crisis in the history of America and has instilled real hope that the days ahead are going to be much better than the ones behind.

President Obama and his lovely wife Michelle instilled and brought a model of Black families throughout all of America and the world to symbolize.

With more than just a passionate speech, he has delivered with his calm hands stability and intelligence to the Oval Office that was missing during the past eight years.

If you can say that Bush was failing and receiving a failing grade then you would have to concur that President Obama is passing his first 200 days with flying colors.

The economy is crawling its way out of despair again, unemployment in many regions is quietly shrinking, Wall Street is bubbling again and there is great hope on Main Street.

Terrorists have not attacked us as many had predicted and he has displayed steel in his veins during difficult decisions.

So, this week let us toast to our President, let us salute him for a job well done, let us do our part in our homes, neighborhoods, and communities that are a reflection of what he would expect.

With his national health care plan at the front of the agenda let us encourage our congress and senate to do what is necessary to make sure that it passes through.

Let us continue to keep pushing change forward and let us make sure that we tell our sons and daughters that the world of possibilities is there if you are going to put the work in to accomplish it.

This week I am asking myself what can I do to make my President proud.

I am optimistic that many brighter days are ahead of us and just as I was elated that we finally have a Black President, I want to make sure that we continue to recognize the power of our vote in elections that are close to home.

It is what our President would want us to do and after all we can't let him down, especially after he has lifted us up.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA!

]]>dannyjr@lasentinel.net (Danny J. Bakewell Jr. (Contributing Editor))BlogThu, 06 Aug 2009 04:00:00 +0000President Obama Takes A Standhttp://www.lasentinel.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5619:president-obama-takes-a-stand&catid=39&Itemid=146
http://www.lasentinel.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5619:president-obama-takes-a-stand&catid=39&Itemid=146This whole Gates thing is driving me crazy. It seems that everywhere you turn everyone has an opinion about Obama and Gates and was this a good move or a bad move for Obama to comment.

Well, the first thing I would ask people to recognize is that people's opinions are based upon their perspective and their life's experiences. You can say John F. Kennedy or Bill Clinton or any other President would not have commented on the issue that deals with Professor Gates and the Cambridge Police. But, what people need to realize is that President Barack Obama is no ordinary President. He is not the same as the past 43 Presidents because he is the FIRST African American President. Therefore, he has a different perspective than any other President who preceded him.

Barack Obama is the FIRST President of these United States who has ever been racially profiled. For the most part he is the first President who did not come from a privileged background and most definitely is the first President who understands that gut wrenching feeling when the police pull up behind you and turn on those lights. It does not matter how much money you make, if you have a Harvard degree or are a common man driving a bus, only Black Men can really relate to that feeling.

So, I say to the entire media world. Stop expecting President Barack Obama to do and be the same as the other Presidents who preceded him. He is different, he brings to the table a completely different life perspective. He brings a completely different life expectation. Yes, his daughters Sasha and Malia will have advantages that many others will not share or understand, but they will also share some commonalities that only Black folks can and will relate too. That is because he is the FIRST Black President. We can hope that things will change, and will get better. But today, Barack Obama is a man who grew up with the same challenges and deals with the same racial identity issues all Black Men have had to deal with and he will govern and give his opinion from that place. That is why we voted for him, that is why we supported him and that is why we can relate to him because he is US. And when he says that Officer Crowley acted "Stupidly" that is what we all say and said, and that is why we are reminded he is one of US.

Because when Barack is done being President, just like Oprah Winfrey was reminded in England and just like the media reminded Michael Jackson when he questioned it, "It does matter if you are Black or White".

Â So, whether you agree or disagree, now more than ever I really need your input. I need to hear from you. I need to know what is going on in our community. I also need to know what other stories we need to tell, and what is on your mind. I really do want to hear from you, I want you to "Talk to Danny."

The other day I was driving down Santa Rosalia admiring Chuck Quarles building (Bedford Park) when all of a sudden I reached Marlton and Santa Rosalia. I have driven past this site a million times, but on this beautiful day in our community, this site was EXTRA UGLY.

Then it hit me--In no other community would this site be allowed to exist in its current state. Where is the fencing? Where is the green fence to hide the demolition? Why after 5 years are the buildings still there? I know the City of Los Angeles is in dire straits and I know that Capital Vision Equities was the developer responsible for this catastrophe but to leave it in this state of disarray is totally unacceptable. If there were a developer over on the West Side with a jacked up site, would the city allow it to remain an unsafe, eye sore for the world to see? Or would they fix it themselves and then bill the developer? I would think the later, because the neighbors would not accept it any other way.

Well, the truth is we should not accept it either! We have been forced to live with this safety hazard for too long. We have been forced to settle for not having the resources, that other communities take for granted and we are forced to do without.

These comments are not directed at any one person. It is a collective cry to the City, the County, the State and the Federal Government. All of the elected official from this community and all the other communities are included. It is OUR turn. We have invested millions if not billions of dollars in revitalizing Figueroa, Hollywood and Highland, The Wilshire Corridor, Studio City and all of The Valley. Well, now it is our turn. We need to get this mess cleaned up now.

No matter what the mistakes of Capital Vision are or have been, this community did not select him as the developer and we should not be forced to live with the results of his lies. We need to get some action on that site. We need the site to start creating jobs and tax revenues for this community. We need quality senior housing which we have been promised for years, but all we have is a big pink peace of ugly art work, that if I were the artist, would have entitled "half finish building"...... "No Vacancies in the INN."

We need to light a fire under someone. We need to let people know that we are not willing to accept this any longer. We want our development and we want it now. So, lets get off the dime or dollar and let's get this thing done NOW!

This is my opinion, but I promise you, stay tuned. We will be following up real SOON!

So, whether you agree or disagree, now more than ever I really need your input. I need to hear from you. I need to know what is going on in our community. I also need to know what other stories we need to tell, and what is on your mind. I really do want to hear from you, I want you to "Talk to Danny."

Â

God Bless You,

Danny J. Bakewell, Jr.

President & Executive Editor

]]>dannyjr@lasentinel.net (Danny J. Bakewell Jr. (Contributing Editor))BlogThu, 23 Jul 2009 04:00:00 +0000Racism Lives On http://www.lasentinel.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5730:racism-lives-on&catid=39&Itemid=146
http://www.lasentinel.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5730:racism-lives-on&catid=39&Itemid=146Just when I think racism and racist can no longer surprise me, somebody does something to slap me in the head and say racism and racist will always find a new way to shock me.

Two days after the incredible home going memorial service for Michael Jackson, Bill O'Reilly, during an interview with Reverend Al Sharpton asked, "Do you believe Michael Jackson's White children are going to be able to survive with Katherine Jackson and their Black family?" I was absolutely shocked by this question? But what really shocked me was that the very next day ABC Entertainment picked up the story and asked the same stupid question all over again.

Now, some of you are probably saying what's wrong with that question or why do you think that question is racist? Well, here's why.

First off, if you saw the memorial service or if you saw the front page of the Sentinel, what you saw was a family. Not a Black family and some White kids, but a Black family all together grieving the lost of their father, son and /or brother. They consoled each other as only a grieving family could. Remember, these children were born into the Jackson family. Katherine and Joseph Jackson are the only grandparents these children have ever known, just as the rest of the Jackson clan is their aunts, uncles and cousins, etc. The memorial service was not the first time these people had ever met.

Secondly, the nerve to ask a question like that is the real kicker. Did anyone ask Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie could their adopted Black baby survive in their White household? Did anyone ask Madonna and Guy Richie that when they adopted their baby from Africa? Has anyone ever questioned Tom Cruise or Steven Speilberg's son how they survive as Black children living with White parents? The comparison, the inequity and the cruelty of this question reeks of racism.

Lastly, while these children may not be as dark as Michael we all know that we as a people come in all shades, we have all different textures of hair and the fact that they are supposed to be the product of a mixed marriage, almost anything is possible. But more importantly we need to remember only this. Racism is a taught trait, a racist has never been born. It is a learned trait. That is why if you take two children and raise them in the same household, raise them as brother and sister and never introduce that oneÂ is better than the other, they will have nothing but love and affection for each other. They will only see the similarities before they ever see the differences.

That is the true message of the Greatest Entertainer of All Time, Mr. Michael Jackson!

So, whether you agree or disagree, now more than ever I really need your input. I need to hear from you. I need to know what is going on in our community. I also need to know what other stories we need to tell, and what is on your mind. I really do want to hear from you, I want you to "Talk to Danny."

Â

God Bless You,

Danny J. Bakewell, Jr.

President & Executive Editor

]]>dannyjr@lasentinel.net (Danny J. Bakewell Jr. (Contributing Editor))BlogThu, 16 Jul 2009 04:00:00 +0000R.I.P. Michael Jackson http://www.lasentinel.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5766:r-i-p-michael-jackson&catid=39&Itemid=146
http://www.lasentinel.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5766:r-i-p-michael-jackson&catid=39&Itemid=146First, let me start off by thanking all of you friends and fans alike who reached out to me and all of the Sentinel staff to tell us how much you enjoyed last week's Michael Jackson commemorative Issue. It really was a great paper, and I have to give much of the credit to my staff who latched on to the vision and directive I gave them and drove that edition home. Nice Job Team!

Man what a day! If you weren't moved by that Incredible tribute to Michael Jackson then you are just numb and have no emotions or feelings what so ever. The tribute absolutely was magnificent, it was fitting for a legendary music man and humanitarian. But, it also was a fitting tribute to a family man who was deeply loved by his mother, father, sisters and brothers, his children, his cousins and his closest friends.

What also was Amazing was oh so often we hear statements about Michael Jackson had lost his way, that he forgot he was Black or that he didn't want to be Black. Well, nobody told Michael or the Jacksons because this memorial service was everything everyone of in the U.S knows about a Black Home Going Service. Great Music, Inspirational Messages, Real Friends and Real Family paying tribute not to the person the rest of the world thought they knew, but paying tribute to the man they knew and loved.

Since, I didn't go to the repast I cannot confirm or deny the fact that somebody brought over a lemon cake, but from what I heard that was the only thing that was missing.

Obviously, one of the most touching moments and clearly the moment where there was not a dry eye in the house was the moment Michael's lil girl paid her tribute to her father. That killed it for me, but the truth is the day was full of touching moments. Berry Gordy was OUTSTANDING, Jennifer Hudson brought down the house,

Brooke Shields gave a warm and very personal tribute of her life as Michael's Friend. Usher, as I said on Facebook, crushed it and Jermaine Jackson performed at the ultimate showman's level stepping up and singing at what had to be a truly challenging moment.

I also want to give a special Thank You to Reverend Al Sharpton. You stepped up, spoke eloquently and reminded us all not only Michael Jackson's place in history but his place in contributing to change the history of America.

As I said last week, Thank you Michael Jackson. You showed the world how important it is to look at the Man in the Mirror before you ever begin to criticizeanyone else.

So, whether you agree or disagree, now more than ever I really need your input. I need to hear from you. I need to know what is going on in our community. I also need to know what other stories we need to tell, and what is on your mind. I really do want to hear from you, I want you to "Talk to Danny."

]]>dannyjr@lasentinel.net (Danny J. Bakewell Jr. (Contributing Editor))BlogThu, 09 Jul 2009 04:00:00 +0000Where were you?http://www.lasentinel.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5794:where-were-you&catid=39&Itemid=146
http://www.lasentinel.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5794:where-were-you&catid=39&Itemid=146In life there are moments you never forget where you were when It happened. I often hear of the older generation speaking about remembering exactly where they were when they heard that Martin Luther King, John F. Kennedy or Robert F. Kennedy were killed. For my generation and those that came after mine we will always remember where we were when the OJ verdict came in, when the police officers were found not guilty of beating Rodney King, and of course 9/11.

Well, the premature death of the â€˜King of Popâ€™ Michael Jackson is now and forever will be added to that list of things you were doing and places you were when you got the news. In fact just the day before Michael so tragically died I was having a conversation about â€œThe Greatest Concert You Have Ever Been Tooâ€, and while the final verdict varied depending on who you talked to, Michael Jackson and the Jacksons always were in the top three. I have seen Michael on several occasions. I saw Michael on the Thriller tour and the Bad tour. I went to Dodger Stadium 3 of the 6 nights to watch the Jacksons do their thing.

As a kid I remember watching the Jackson 5 on Soul Train and American Bandstand. I remember waking up every Saturday morning to watch the Jackson 5 cartoon and being so excited to watch them perform. The truth is Michael Jackson is a part of the fabric of America, and a part of the fabric of the world but the truth is he is an even bigger part of the fabric of Black America. Certainly he is a part of the fabric of the Black America of my generation. Everyone wanted to be a dancinâ€™ machine--we all wanted to moon walk and we all wanted to perform in the Thriller video.

The other thing about Michael is he was an incredible and sensitive humanitarian. Do you remember the chills you got every time you heard â€œWe Are The World?â€ That song inspired Hands Across America which I remember being at Exposition Park and we all held hands at the same time trying to make this great chain all across America--Black, White, Brown all just trying to come together to help starving children in Africa.

On a personal note Michael Jackson did one of the greatest things for my family and for that I will always be eternally grateful. My sister Sabriya was in the hospital battling leukemia. She had been living in the hospital for almost 2 months and then one day Michael Jackson called her. He didnâ€™t just call and say hi, he talked to her for over an hour, talking to her about life, her plans for the future, and what is was like being in high school and what it was like being in the hospital. That hour was one of the greatest moments of her life and she was so excited. Well, as many of you know about a month later my sister passed away, but I will never forget and I will always be thankful to the man who took time out of his busy schedule for a little girl he never met to give her one of the greatest joys of her life. Never asking for any press or fanfare he just wanted to make someone happy.

So I say thank you Michael Jackson, for giving yourself to the world, for giving us all Joy, Peace and Happiness. That is all you ever wanted to do--make people happy, and by the reaction of people all over the world you did that in a BIG, BIG WAY.

So, whether you agree or disagree, now more than ever I really need your input. I need to hear from you. I need to know what is going on in our community. I also need to know what other stories we need to tell, and what is on your mind. I really do want to hear from you, I want you to â€œTalk to Danny.â€

Â

Sincerely,

Danny J. Bakewell, Jr.

President & Executive Editor

]]>dannyjr@lasentinel.net (Danny J. Bakewell Jr. (Contributing Editor))BlogThu, 02 Jul 2009 04:00:00 +0000Big Budget Decisionshttp://www.lasentinel.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5836:big-budget-decisions&catid=39&Itemid=146
http://www.lasentinel.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5836:big-budget-decisions&catid=39&Itemid=146Big budget decisions for the state of California this week, and while I am in support of the unions, the reality is that we are all faced with some drastic moments now.

These harsh economic times are not just exclusive to our state, or for the most part our nation, but the world is in economic meltdown.

We all have to make cuts. It hurts, but there is no other alternative. The Sentinel has to make cuts, General Motors, the City of Los Angeles, mom and pop stores are closing their doors.

This is the beginning of summer and while in the past we would be planning a vacation, today we are just trying to hold onto what little we have.

You've heard me say it before, and I say it again--we cannot be deterred from such challenging times, we must sustain our fight to make it through them.

On the other side of this mess are a lot of brighter days and hopefully from these dark nightmares we can learn how to appreciate to little things that much more.

There is nothing more painful than the unfolding trigger of a person losing their which affects their immediate family, their church, their community businesses which depended on them and other non-profit organizations which relied on their volunteer time or donations.

This is not a time for us to get mad or upset, but instead get smart and resourceful.

Walk short distances where you once drove. Have more family gatherings than you did, instead of going out.

Enjoy a DVD instead of a movie theater.

Read a book that you've had shelved for months. Meditate and pray more frequently, relax in the quiet of your own home.

Life may not be what you want it to be, but thank God that you have one...

]]>dannyjr@lasentinel.net (Danny J. Bakewell Jr. (Contributing Editor))BlogThu, 25 Jun 2009 04:00:00 +0000Education Accountability http://www.lasentinel.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5951:education-accountability&catid=39&Itemid=146
http://www.lasentinel.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5951:education-accountability&catid=39&Itemid=146The Crenshaw High School exit exam crisis or lack thereof is more about African American accountability than it is about passing a test to graduate from high school.

While I sympathize with the students and their parents for not meeting the criteria for graduation, it is time that we establish a higher standard for ourselves than one that has been set by the school district.

I understand the importance of going to proms and attending other functions that are associated with being a senior in high school, but on the larger scale of life education is about much more than that.

This is not a time for finger pointing and just blaming our children, or the administrators at Crenshaw or the school district.

We as parents need to be more involved in our children's educational process and students as growing teenagers need to be more concerned about their academic studies than extra curricula activities that will not benefit them in the long run.

I applaud the community for getting behind the students, but we need to be more active from the get go than reactive when the graduation is just one week away.

This exit exam is similar to the SAT. Students know going into the high school that they have college aspirations, but they don't begin studying the SAT until the final year they know a college is interested in them.

Students need to recognize they are going to school to prepare for life and parents should make sure they are managing their time wisely.

If you are in school then your report card is your paycheck. It has your name on it and the grades reflect the quality of your work.

If you want to get your money--then get your grades!

Prepare to plan and plan to prepare. For the first time in the history of our nation we have a President who believes that education must come first.

Now it is up to all of us to make sure that it comes first and foremost. You can do it if you put your mind to it.

]]>dannyjr@lasentinel.net (Danny J. Bakewell Jr. (Contributing Editor))BlogThu, 11 Jun 2009 04:00:00 +0000Hang in there!http://www.lasentinel.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6011:hang-in-there&catid=39&Itemid=146
http://www.lasentinel.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6011:hang-in-there&catid=39&Itemid=146Hang in there! I know many of you are feeling the pinch of an eroding economy and with prom dates and graduations, you are probably not feeling economical relief that was promised.

It is in these times when we must rely on each other and our faith in God, making intelligent decisions and not emotional ones.

It is during these times that you purchase what you need from vendors who have been friendly to you in the past.

The purchasing power of Blacks is still quite strong and there are many Black businesses that are operating in our community. It is our responsibly to make sure they remain viable.

State budget cuts will be taxing on many programs, thus the need for non-profit organizations such as the Brotherhood Crusade, Mother's In Action and others like them, is essential now.

Churches and volunteer efforts and mentor programs are vastly significant.

As a people, African Americans are the most resilient and resourceful in the world. We shall and will overcome these difficult times.

On a lighter note, the Lakers will bring some much-needed excitement to the Southland this week with another championship run.

It's been a long time since we've had a parade downtown and trust me, this one will not be easy.

I am not like most, a designated Laker Hater, but I am opened minded and the performance of the Orlando Magic against the Cleveland Cavs was impressive.

I hope the Lakers can win it, but those guard and wing players for the Magic will be a difficult task to overcome.

Like the one with the economy before us, the Lakers will discover that nothing comes easy.

The rash of gang related murders are quite disturbing and the most recent one of the young budding football star from Narbonne High School brought back the painful memories of Jamiel Shaw Jr.'s fatal shooting.

Troubling and sad are words that come to mind and I often wonder when the senseless killings will come to a halt. When will we learn that love is much stronger than hate? That hugs should replace thugs and funs should replace guns?

However, as I sit and ponder and pray for those families, even more painful are the bevy of police involved shootings that have paralyzed the city of Inglewood.

As taxpayers we pay for the police to come out and protect us, but lately in Inglewood when we see the police we fear for out lives.

It's not acceptable and even more tragic is that these police murders are occurring under the watch of a Black police chief. Someone who was brought to the city of Inglewood because she could better understand the ethnic make-up and who would restore order to the puzzling climate that has allowed a police department to wreck havoc on its citizens.

If this were a White police chief we as African Americans would be up in arms protesting the chief's immediate removal.

Why then are we allowing this police chief to have a free pass?

Why is there not even more outrage because there is a person of color at the helm?

I suggest that this police chief be removed. One police related fatality is too many, but the numbers of Blacks slain by gun wielding officers is beyond a critical stage and the citizens in Inglewood deserve much better than what they are getting.

]]>dannyjr@lasentinel.net (Danny J. Bakewell Jr. (Contributing Editor))BlogThu, 28 May 2009 04:00:00 +0000Steele! Take a Chill Pillhttp://www.lasentinel.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6086:steele-take-a-chill-pill&catid=39&Itemid=146
http://www.lasentinel.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6086:steele-take-a-chill-pill&catid=39&Itemid=146Now, I really know why I am not and could never be a Republican! Early Monday morning I found myself wide awake at 3:30 in the morning (yes, in the morning - most people who know me know I don't sleep) channel surfing when I came across the re-broadcast of Meet the Press. This week's episode was a debate between Democratic Party Chairman Tim Kaine and Republican Party Chairman Michael Steele. Personally, I thought the debate was good. It was engaging and while I fundamentally believe in the Democratic Party some of Michael Steele's points were good and it was good to see this brother (no matter how off he was in some cases) representing African Americans and the Republican Party well at the same time.

Then near the end of the show, the clincher question came up. Do you agree with the former Vice President Dick Cheney's statement that the Republican Party is better served with Rush Limbaugh as the spokesman or would the party be better served with Ret. General Colin Powell? To which old Dick replied Rush Limbaugh!

Michael Steele danced around the question for a while saying fabulous things like "as Chairman I want them both", and then he tried to claim that the statement was taken out of context and that Dick really did not say that. Well at that moment David Gregory (in true Tim Russert fashion) said well let's look at the clip and proceeded to play the clip, which was not taken out of context and the statement was exactly what they said it was. Dick Cheney said: "Rush Limbaugh is a better face for the Republican Party than Colin Powell".

The truth is Dick Cheney is the face of the Republican Party, Rush Limbaugh is the face of the Republican Party, Sarah Palin is the face of the Republican Party as is Joe the Plumber. The person who is not the face of the Republican Party is Michael Steele. Michael Steele is only the mask that these closed minded, self-absorbed, only care about themselves, lying, no good people are hiding behind. Think about it! Retired General Colin Powell was a loyal soldier for the Republican Party, and for the Bush Administration. When he left George W's administration he stayed quiet, but then he had the nerve to break, think for himself and endorse then Senator now President Barack Obama. Now he is of no use to them. Ultimately, I believe Michael Steele will fall to the same fate, just as I expect them to one day sacrifice Condolezza Rice when the heat gets hot on this whole "Torture and Guantanamo Bay" thing.

Well, to Michael Steele and Condolezza Rice and any other African American Republicans out there, remember this. African Americans are the most loyal and forgiving people in the world (Democrats Too) so when things get really bad, as my dad always says "Family First" and you can always come home (Colin Powell is already here).

So, whether you agree or disagree, now more than ever I really need your input. I need to hear from you. I need to know what is going on in our community. I also need to know what other stories we need to tell, and what is on your mind. I really do want to hear from you, I want you to "Talk to Danny."

Sincerely,

Danny J. Bakewell, Jr.

President & Executive Editor

Â

]]>dannyjr@lasentinel.net (Danny J. Bakewell Jr. (Contributing Editor))BlogThu, 21 May 2009 04:00:00 +0000KEEPING IT REAL (5-21-09 Edition)http://www.lasentinel.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6094:keeping-it-real-5-21-09-edition&catid=39&Itemid=146
http://www.lasentinel.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6094:keeping-it-real-5-21-09-edition&catid=39&Itemid=146Last week I met with President Barack Obama and I felt it very noteworthy that the President of the United States would agree to meet on an issue of such great importance as the race and economic gap in public education. We had asked for such a meeting after the White House sent Vice President Biden to address our National Action Network national convention on April 3rd in New York City. President Obama wanted people that don't agree on specific issues but agree that there must be an open fight to close the race and economic gap to participate in the meeting. Also present was former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich who spoke at NAN's national convention and supports vouchers while I do not. Mayor Michael Bloomberg was a participant in the meeting and he supports mayoral control and is running for re-election and I support neither. But what commonality we all share is our concern that the crisis in education is so significant that there must be alliances across all lines to close the gap. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa was invited but due to intense labor negotiations he wasn't able to make it, however he is a very strong advocate for education and we intend to work with him diligently on this issue in the near future.

We have now all agreed, in fact, to work with a larger working body with United States Secretary of Education Arne Duncan on how we can concretely address the problems of unequal funding, performance of teachers, pay for teachers, and other issues that will tangibly change the existing gap in education. Closing the education achievement gap is a problem we can solve with strategies that have been proven effective. It starts by putting the needs of children over adults and rethinking old political alliances. We at National Action Network will continue to mobilize and are holding an anniversary rally commemorating Brown v. Board of Education this Saturday, May 16 at the White House Ellipse--the "Close the Gap Rally."

The facts are grim: Public schools across the nation are actively denying African American and Latino students good teachers and good schools creating an achievement gap that makes education equality the civil rights issue of our time. Barely half of African-American and Latino students graduate from high school, with African American students graduating at 55%, Latinos at 53%, and their white counterparts at 78%. White students in the 12th grade are, on average, four years ahead of their African American peers. School funding still reflects community wealth in most states. On average this country spends $1000/student more on affluent students than low-income students. A Black male is more likely to be in prison than to have a post-graduate degree; 1 in 9 Black men between 20-34 are incarcerated.

When our nation elected the first African America President, we managed to do what many thought was impossible. Now, we must stop sending African American and Latino students to failing public schools, and start to do what we know is possible - provide education equality for all children. We can put the building blocks in place today to close the achievement gap and provide good teachers in good schools for every child and restore the civil rights of children to an equal education.Â